Absorber Column CO2 Control via Regenerate Blend
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing pure synthesis gas with a defined carbon dioxide content, such as the Rectisol process, face challenges in adjusting CO2 concentration during low or partial load conditions of the absorber column, leading to excessive CO2 separation and requiring complex bypass systems.
Innovation Solution
An absorber column design with a connecting line between regeneration supply lines allows for precise adjustment of CO2 concentration by blending absorbents regenerated by pressure relaxation and heating, using control valves to regulate the absorbent flow, reducing the need for large bypass infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the absorbent feed rate is reduced to match reduced synthesis gas throughput, then energy consumption is reduced, but the absorber column operates outside its hydraulically stable range leading to excessive CO2 removal
Solution Approach 1:
The absorber column is divided into two distinct absorption sections: a first section for CO2 removal and a second section for sulfur component removal. This segmentation allows independent control of CO2 absorption in the first section while maintaining stable operation in the second section, resolving the contradiction between energy reduction and CO2 concentration control.
Solution Approach 2:
A bypass line is introduced as an intermediary element that allows a portion of the synthesis gas to circumvent the first absorption section. This bypass mechanism enables precise control of CO2 removal by adjusting the bypass flow, allowing the system to operate at reduced absorbent feed rates while maintaining target CO2 concentrations.
2Manufacturing precision
If a bypass line is introduced to control CO2 concentration, then CO2 concentration control is improved, but device complexity increases due to large pipes and fittings
Solution Approach 1:
The absorber column is divided into two distinct absorption sections: a first section for CO2 removal and a second section for sulfur component removal. This segmentation allows independent control of CO2 absorption in the first section while maintaining stable operation in the second section, resolving the contradiction between energy reduction and CO2 concentration control.
Solution Approach 2:
A bypass line is introduced as an intermediary element that allows a portion of the synthesis gas to circumvent the first absorption section. This bypass mechanism enables precise control of CO2 removal by adjusting the bypass flow, allowing the system to operate at reduced absorbent feed rates while maintaining target CO2 concentrations.
3Device complexity
If standard absorber column design is used, then device complexity is minimized, but adaptability to low load conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The absorber column is divided into two distinct absorption sections: a first section for CO2 removal and a second section for sulfur component removal. This segmentation allows independent control of CO2 absorption in the first section while maintaining stable operation in the second section, resolving the contradiction between energy reduction and CO2 concentration control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic control elements including adjustable bypass lines and variable absorbent feed rates that can be adapted to different load conditions. This dynamic configuration enables the absorber column to maintain optimal performance across a wide range of operating conditions without requiring complex redesign.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables precise control of CO2 concentration in the pure synthesis gas, improving efficiency and reducing complexity, especially during low load conditions, and ensures the required CO2 levels for methanol synthesis are maintained.
Implementation Method 1
separating unwanted, in particular acidic, gas components, such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, from a raw synthesis gas by absorption with an absorbent
Implementation Method 2
CO2 is removed from the loaded methanol absorbent by depressurization (so-called flash regeneration)
Implementation Method 3
the sulfur-containing gases, COS and H2S, are driven off by heating (so-called hot regeneration)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to an absorber column and its use for separating unwanted, particularly acidic, gas components, such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, from raw synthesis gas by absorption with an absorbent, particularly at low load conditions of the absorber column with respect to the synthesis gas load. According to the invention, a defined concentration of carbon dioxide in the pure synthesis gas is achieved by adding at least a portion of the absorbent regenerated by flash regeneration to the absorbent regenerated by hot regeneration before its return to the absorber column.